UNIS/INF/14
2 June 2004
United Nations General Assembly President Hunte Discusses Reform during Visit to Vienna
VIENNA, 2 June (UN Information Service) -- Amid growing concerns over the United Nations system’s capacity to face the challenges of globalization, terrorism, or the spread of pandemics today, the President of the 58th session of the United Nations General Assembly, Julian R. Hunte addressed the issue of revitalization of the General Assembly and reform of the Security Council during a press briefing in Vienna today. Mr. Hunte, who is on a six-day visit to Austria, is also Minister for External Affairs, International Trade and Civil Aviation of Saint Lucia.
“Any reform must, I believe, make the United Nations a more credible, a more representative and a more effective organization. It must be directed towards reaffirming the United Nations relevance as the sole global organization that can take decisions on all issues on the international agenda, including the maintenance of international peace and security,” said Mr. Hunte.
Mr. Hunte also addressed the implementation of the Millennium Development Goals, one of the priorities of the 58th session, at the press briefing. “It is where our real battle lies. This is war against poverty, against disease, instability, and for human rights and fundamental freedoms,” he said.
This morning, Mr. Hunte opened the session of the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space. Among his other engagements in Austria, he will also address the United Nations Association of Graz on the subject ‘Revitalization of the General Assembly -- with what purpose?’ on Thursday, 3 June 2004. A business executive in his country, Saint Lucia, Mr. Hunte will meet the Federation of Austrian Industries to speak on the role of the business sector in sustainable development. After his visit to Austria, Mr. Hunte will travel to Sao Paolo, Brazil, to attend the Eleventh session of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development.
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